Lebanese president says ceasefire essential for talks as Israeli airstrikes persist

BEIRUT, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Thursday a ceasefire is crucial to opening the door to direct negotiations, as Washington said Israeli and Lebanese leaders would speak later in the day. Aoun made the remarks during a meeting in Beirut with British lawmaker Hamish Falconer, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. Lebanon seeks to halt escalating hostilities i
2026-04-16 11:45:15